But this time, Shelli was done. She was ready to change her life once and for all—not just for herself, but for the sake of her son, Jameson, and her baby on the way. An online search led her to Hope Ministries and her best friend dropped everything to give her a ride.

“What we’ve received at Hope Ministries is phenomenal, and the love that’s behind it all blows me away” —SHELLI

Although Shelli was relieved to be somewhere safe when she arrived at our Hope Ministries Center for Women and Children, she still struggled with the effects of the trauma she’d experienced.

“When I got here, I was checked out, discombobulated from the abuse,” she says. “I couldn’t go outside when it was dark. Even though I knew there were fences and locks and security cameras, I was too scared.”

But slowly, through therapy, the compassion and guidance of staff, and her growing faith, Shelli began to heal. “I’d lost myself. I feel like I’ve found who I am again.”

Shelli has also seen incredible growth in Jameson, thanks to play therapy and the new stability in his life. “His home life is consistent now, and I think that’s made such a difference.”

During Shelli’s time in our long-term life recovery program, her daughter, Esther, was born, and today, as Shelli nears her graduation from our program, she is excited about the life she’s building for her family. She’s settled into a full- time job she loves, working at a childcare center, and has found a church home.

“It really wasn’t until I came here that I learned what grace and mercy are,” Shelli says of the faith she clings to now. And to the donors who have made her life restoration possible, Shelli is forever grateful. “The biggest thing I’d say is thank you. We wouldn’t be here without them!”